[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]ou can be in the fly reel business by buying product that is designed and built overseas – there’s plenty of crap out there. You can be in the reel business if you’re a smart machinist, smart designer or smart engineer, but if don’t fly fish, you’re probably not going to do real well.
However, if you have talented aerospace engineers, first rate designers, qualified machinists and they all are fly fisherman, – you’re going to apply that passion to making great reels. And that describes Bozeman Reels of Bozeman, Montana.
As serendipity would have it, we got introduced to Bozeman Reels by Anthony Magardino (Beaverkill Rods). A few months ago, we finally caught up with Dan Rice, the newest member of the Bozeman Reel fraternity. After a brief discussion, Dan wanted to know if we’d review the reel – give it a test drive. Shortly thereafter a brand new RS Series 527 reel with a spare spool arrived.
Now, weeks later, the 527 has been battle hardened by rain, mud, sand – landed a 50-pound tarpon at a spillway, and landed several little snook. On another outing, it elegantly handled largemouth bass in solid numbers in the Everglades.
What immediately comes to mind is when you handling a Bozeman is that you’d like to own it. The design is handsome, build is strong and the drag is pure perfect – easy to use and trustworthy. The aethetic design really captures attention. Somehow, simplicity is the thing. When you see Steve or Tim Rajeff cast a fly, Roger Federer hit a tennis ball, or Rory McIIroy hit a tee shot, it’s the simplicity that attracts. What’s hidden is how difficult it is to make something look simple – that’s what Bozeman accomplished.
Here are some details:
The RDX utilizes Rulon® and Titanium – run-stopping drag system within an innovative configuration. The RS series features sealed bearings, sealed drag system, interchangable spools and the ability to switch from right hand retrieve to left hand retrieve in a snap.
Although there are plans for larger reels in the RS Series, currently there’s only two models available now:
RS 325 (WF4F + 110 Yds 20# Dacron /$410.00) and the 527 (WF6F + 125 Yds 20# Dacron / $495.00 / spare spools are $195.00
There’s an RS Seies 729 coming up fast; a reel that will sell in the salt real well.
Cost
WF4F + 110 Yds 20# Dacron / $410.00
WF6F + 125 Yds 20# Dacron / $495.00
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Contact:
The Bozeman Reel Co.
619 N. Church Ave. #2
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph: 406-548-2858
Fx: 406-585-3087
Website: click here […]
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